New Jewish pre-school set to open this fall in Eltingville

Little Star Preschool is a project of Oorah, a non-profit organization serving the Jewish community.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Eltingville will have a new Jewish pre-school this fall as Oorah, a nonprofit organization that has served the Jewish community for more than three decades, opens A Little Star Preschool.

Oorah's Torah Spot has offered family entertainment, concerts and educational programs over the years.

Little Star seeks to provide cost-effective education for children who are 3 or 4 years of age, are fully potty trained, and have all necessary vaccinations.

The Little Star Pre-School fills a unique need for Jewish parents of all backgrounds who are looking to infuse a little extra Jewish warmth and culture into their children's early education.

In addition to helping children develop English and math skills, students will also learn the Hebrew alphabet and ancestral heritage.

"We know how important it is for children to start off on the right foot," says Rabbi Yehoshua Weinstein, director of development at Oorah. "What they learn when they are young can affect them for many years to come."

Lauren Gluck, a lifelong resident of Staten Island, heads the Little Star program. Her mother, Rachelit, is the well-known founder and director of Tots R Us of Staten Island, where Ms. Gluck spent many years teaching and observing young children grow.

Long involved with young children, Ms. Gluck is a passionate educator who has devoted her efforts to creating in Little Star a loving and nurturing environment.

Oorah was established by Rabbi Chaim Mintz, a pioneer in Jewish education and outreach who continues to oversee Oorah's many important and highly regarded programs.